Rain to continue through middle of next week

Thursday's deluge produced the 15th wettest day ever recorded in Medford, according to the National Weather Service. Medford recorded 1.67 inches of rain, which also was a record for the day.

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By Mandy Valencia

DailyTidings.com

By Mandy Valencia

Posted Dec. 1, 2012 at 2:00 AM

By Mandy Valencia

Posted Dec. 1, 2012 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

Thursday's deluge produced the 15th wettest day ever recorded in Medford, according to the National Weather Service. Medford recorded 1.67 inches of rain, which also was a record for the day.

"Hopefully that won't happen again," said Chuck Glaser spokesperson for the National Weather Service.

But more of the wet stuff is definitely on the way. More rain is expected today — with the heaviest rainfall tonight — throughout Sunday and into the coming week. According to Glaser, another inch and a half of rain in the valley is expected over the next few days.

"Everything is pretty saturated right now, which doesn't necessarily mean that any rivers will flood, but the potential is there," said Glaser.

Currently all of the Rogue Valley rivers and streams are projected to remain below flood levels, but some urban flooding may occur.

The series of rainstorms is being produced by a low pressure area that's mired off the coast and a high pressure system stuck in the Rocky Mountains. It has produced some impressive rainfall totals this week, with areas in Northern California reporting up to 10 inches of rain between 4 p.m. Tuesday and noon Friday. Crescent City reported 7.25 inches in that time period, while the largest amount in Southern Oregon was 5.31 inches in O'Brien. Medford reported 2.48 inches.

Wind gusts from the storm topped out at 79 mph in Independence, Calif., and 60 mph in Sprague River in Oregon.

According to a press release from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office many calls have been coming in from residents requesting sand bags. Sandbags are not provided unless the county is under an Emergency Declaration.

But should flooding occur sandbags and limited sand may be purchased at the following locations:

Ashland: Ashland Hardware, Grange Co-op

Medford: Lowes, Hubbard's Ace Hardware, Grange Co-op

Phoenix: Home Depot

Eagle Point: Eagle Point Hardware

Central Point: Grange Co-op

Rogue River: Main Building Supply, Ace

Shady Cove: Shady Cove Hardware

White City: Big R

Motorists are reminded to use caution in the wet conditions, as high water, spray from other vehicles and flowing water pose significant hazards.

The wet weather is expected to abate in the middle part of next week.

Reach reporter Mandy Valencia at 541-776-4486 or by email at avalencia@mailtribune.com.